A fourth US Open title has opened up the possibility of stealing a march on his two ‘big three’ rivals, but the 33-year-old Spaniard said: “I don’t look (at) it that way.

“I always say the same, I would love to be the one who wins more, but I am not thinking and I am not going to practice every day or not play tennis for it. I am playing tennis because I love to play tennis.

“I feel honoured to be part of this battle. But you can’t be all day looking next to you if one has more or one has a little bit less, because you will be frustrated.

Novak Djokovic, left, and Roger Federer, right, have won 36 major singles titles between them (Laurence Griffiths/Pool)

“I would love to be the one who has more, yes. But I really believe that I will not be happier or less happy if that happens or does not happen.

“What gives you the happiness is the personal satisfaction that you’ve given your best. In that way I am very, very calm, very pleased with myself.

“If I am able to be number one doing it my way, great. But it’s not my main goal.

“Of course, it’s great to be in that fight. But for me personally, it’s not really a fight. I just try be competitive the weeks that I need to compete, or the weeks that I want to compete.

“With my age and with my goals, I cannot lose energy or time following the number one. I need to think about my career in a different way.

“For me, my main goal is play as long as possible and compete, being competitive.

“But I am there. If I am able to play well until the end of the season, I’m going to have my chances.”

New York….I ❤️ you!!!! Congrats to @RafaelNadal he is an amazing champion. For me…these two weeks have been crazy, exciting, and humbling! But I love your energy and can’t wait to be back next year! @usopenpic.twitter.com/tbcIcmVc5c